My mom did some modeling in her late teens at a department store in Knoxville, Tennessee, circa 1942. She married in 1943 and went to Fort Riley, Kansas, with her husband. Her first son, my brother Robert, was born during the war.
My mother, Loretta Jane (Sutton) Noakes passed away about three weeks ago. I think, until the last couple years when illness robbed her of her memory and mobility, that she would have said she had a good life. It's hard to put into words how I feel about her. Words fail and I know many of you have gone through this as well, but she gave me such great memories and taught me so much.
Mom was also incredibly patient and funny and caring to me. I am quite sure that civilization as we know it would be impossible without paternal love such as she possessed. I hope, If I am blessed to see her again, she will have shed that elderly and taxed body and can be as she was in my earliest memories. For those of blessed to have a mother to look out for you as you grew up, I trust you already know what I mean.
My condolences to you and your family, Doug. She looks such a nice lady.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful album, it looks like your mother had a happy life. Sorry for your loss, friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you both, ladies.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your lose. It has been a tough year for you. I wish you and the rest of your family well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fred. It's been a tough year for a lot of folks, but, personally, this is one I'd rather have skipped.
ReplyDeleteI understand.
ReplyDeleteThere are times I would like to crawl under the blankets and stay there forever only to come out for the occassional beer.
I hope things get better for you quickly!!
May I also add my condolences to the messages above Doug. When my own parents died, many years ago now I had a feeling that I was looking at their lives down the wrong end of a telescope. A sense of a completed project where the beginnings were distant but still visible and growing larger as I approached the present (if that makes any sense?). A time of reflection and closure which is the closest I myself think we get to perfection. The photographs of your mom gave me a similar sort of feeling. My thoughts are with you now and your family. Peace AA
ReplyDeleteIt does to me. Losing a parent frees us after a time to better see the person you loved in full. Thank you for those good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWow--what a knockouT! So sorry to hear of your loss--Just remember how she was before she became ill...You WILL see her again--in all her glory in heaven, my dear--and I believe here presence is near you protecting you,as well! Hugs, Geege
ReplyDeleteThank you Geena. This is a rather odd thing for a son to say, but I do think my mother looked every inch a model in this picture.
ReplyDeleteGod blessed your mom with a long life! I know she was proud of you and is still all around you. If you're still, I'll bet you can hear her tell you that and that she loves you and is waiting for you. I still have my parents, although my dad is battling cancer at the moment. I know they will soon be going "home" where your mom is, but I can't wrap my mind around them not being around. So I don't think about it. I know I will need your wisdom and your help when it's time. Thank you for sharing the wonderful and beautiful lady that was your mom with us. Who you are today is because of her. God bless you, Doug.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, roolee. Thank you for those kind thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJust stating the truth,dear son--Have a great week ahead--it has been almost 5 days without rain here--YAY! God bless you! Hugs,Gina
ReplyDeleteAnd may the rain stay away and the waters recede.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful lady. I am so sorry to hear of your loss Doug, yet you were fortuntate to have her for so many years and you will see her again in heaven , that is always the the comfort I keep when I think of my own mother who passed away when I was 10 years old.
ReplyDeleteWhat a priceless photograph, two people with beatiful smiles.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comforting comments. I'm sorry to hear you didn't have your mother there to watch and help you grow up. I was luckier than a lot of kids and adults for certain.
ReplyDeleteThat's my favorite photo of them together.
ReplyDeleteI wondered why I hadn't seen you around on multi and was looking in to see if you were all right.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to learn that your dear mother has died. Mothers are so special and they give us a strong foundation on which to build our life.
Aren't photos and memories precious at this time. The trouble is, one wonders how long the hurting will go on. One ray of hope is that, when they have been such a wonderful part of our life, sharing our very heartaches, even death can't take them from us in spirt.
I hope I'm not intruding, because I'm only a friend in passing.
Look after yourself,
Cassandra
You're not intrudung at all. Thank you for those kind thoughts Cassandra. My mother was indeed my foundation.
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